New £2.5m KFC plan would create 50 jobs

Waterlooville school celebrates its continued Ofsted rating success

Plans for a new £2.5m KFC restaurant near one of Havant’s busiest roundabouts have been revealed.

The proposal for the fast-food outlet at Larchwood Avenue, Bedhampton, next to an existing drive-through McDonald’s, has gone out for public consultation.

The fried chicken giant wants to build a 75 to 80-seater restaurant on the vacant brownfield site, off the Hulbert Road roundabout and near to Asda.

KFC said the development could create up to 50 full and part-time jobs.

Marian Baldwin, who lives on Purbrook Way, Havant, off the Hulbert Road roundabout, disapproved of the plans.

She said: ‘I don’t see why there’s any need for a KFC to be built.

‘There’s already a McDonald’s there. Traffic here is already bad and now it’s going to be worse than ever.’

Hannah Browning, from Crookhorn, said she could see both sides of the argument.

She added: ‘Of course if it does help to create more jobs, then that is a positive thing as people are finding it harder to get employed nowadays.

‘But there’s also a big problem with obesity in this country so building another fast-food restaurant when there’s already a McDonald’s there doesn’t help.’

Chris Holmes, chief development officer for KFC, said: ‘We’re always keen to hear what the community thinks of our plans, as our restaurants are designed to be a positive addition to the area.

‘This development would be sensitive to its surroundings, taking into account the character and setting of the site.’

A planning application will be submitted to Havant Borough Council in the coming weeks. People living in the surrounding area have been sent information leaflets and asked to submit their feedback on the idea.

It outlines the proposal which includes a car park with two disabled parking bays and cycle parking and plans to build an exit directly on to Larchwood Avenue.

To comment on the proposal of the new KFC drive-through restaurant call 08448 425 285 or email kfcbedhampton@onlybeattie.com.